Intertextile Directions Trends A/W 2027-28 Highlights ‘A QUEST FOR ESSENCE’ with Multi-Sensory Trend Forum
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition introduces three trend themes and a fragrance collaboration to explore fashion through materials, colour and scent.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition has unveiled its Intertextile Directions Trends for Autumn / Winter 2027-28 under the theme A QUEST FOR ESSENCE. The trend concept focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, technology and sensory exploration, with the Trend Forum incorporating fragrances alongside textile displays during the fair from 25 – 27 August 2026 in Shanghai.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition has announced its Intertextile Directions Trends for Autumn / Winter 2027-28, titled A QUEST FOR ESSENCE, presenting a seasonal outlook that explores creativity, emotional awareness, craftsmanship and technology through textile innovation.
Developed in response to an environment of ongoing uncertainty, the trend direction examines how flexibility, emotional skills and stronger social connections can influence future design. The concept highlights the role of materials in sensory exploration while encouraging originality and authenticity.
Scheduled from 25 – 27 August 2026, the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum will feature curated displays of fabrics and accessories based on three trend themes: FEEL YOUR SERENITY, LIVE YOUR EMOTIONS, and PLAY YOUR ROLE. Exhibitors from across the exhibition will contribute textile samples representing each direction, allowing visitors to review trend-focused materials and identify relevant suppliers.
The installation has been designed and curated by MUSEATIVE, a member of the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee.
The Autumn / Winter 2027-28 trend directions were conceived by ELEMENTI MODA (Milan), MUSEATIVE (New York), NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris) and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo). The trend guide draws on global fashion insights while presenting creative directions for designers.
For the first time, the Trend Forum will also incorporate fragrance into the exhibition through a collaboration between Intertextile Apparel and Notes Shanghai, a premium international fragrance exhibition within Messe Frankfurt's portfolio. Fragrances for the installation will be supplied by dsm-firmenich, creating a multi-sensory environment where colour, fabric and scent are presented together.
FEEL YOUR SERENITY
This theme examines urban living through mobility, performance and well-being while presenting a more balanced approach to everyday life. The colour direction features tinted whites, veiled neutrals and soft winter tones.
Featured materials include second-skin stretch jersey, rubberised peach skin, techno taffetas, iridescent nylon, plush blanket fabrics and cozy fleece. The accompanying fragrance is Peach Fuzz, combining peachy musks with creamy floral notes.
LIVE YOUR EMOTIONS
Focused on simplicity, function and everyday essentials, this trend uses natural colour palettes inspired by memory, imagination and landscapes.
Material selections include felted worsted wools, Shetlands, tweeds, corduroy, workwear denim, performance jersey, outdoor rainproof fabrics, waxed and coated canvas, and nylon. The fragrance pairing, Nanaland, blends banana, spices and gourmand notes.
PLAY YOUR ROLE
This direction explores theatricality, fantasy and couture influences through vivid colours combined with softer tones.
The fabric selection features suiting twills, dense cashmere-silk blends, stiff organza, patinated brocades, voile, plumetis and tapestry-inspired jacquards. The associated fragrance, Sandal Whisper, combines saffron, oud, florals and sandalwood.
The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Textile Information Center. It will be held alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), bringing together the apparel textile value chain.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will take place from 25 – 27 August 2026.
Upcoming events include:
- Notes Shanghai 2026AW – 14 – 17 October 2026, Shanghai
- Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies – 24 – 26 February 2027, Ho Chi Minh City
- Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring / Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition – 10 – 12 March 2027, Shanghai